Salida blends an artistic downtown and outdoor recreation in the Rockies
Salida, also known as the Heart of the Rockies, blends its artistic downtown on the banks of the Arkansas River with the mountains, ski resorts and other recreation opportunities surrounding the city. “We are a year-round tourist destination because of the skiing through the winter, and we’re a river community in the spring, summer and fall,” says Kristi Miller, resident and Realtor with Barclay Realty Group. When not spending time outdoors, locals can explore one of the dozens of small businesses and restaurants in the historic downtown district.
Nearly everyone in Salida has mountain views.
Stop by Victoria's Tavern with friends for classic American food in Salida.
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Outdoor recreation includes ski resorts, hiking and whitewater rafting
Because of its location on the Arkansas River, Salida has built up a reputation for kayaking, paddleboarding and rafting. “We have some of the best whitewater in the state,” Miller says. Whitewater Park is one of the main destinations for rafters, with four engineered features made of rocks and concrete. The park is part of the race path for the FIBArk Whitewater Festival, which takes place every June and has a variety of races, games and competitions. The mountains are as much of a draw as the river. People can hike up Tenderfoot Hill to the ‘S' that overlooks the city. Monarch Mountain opens its 1,000-plus acres to skiers of all levels during the winter. Salida also has the Hot Springs Aquatic Center, which has two indoor pools, and Riverside Park, with a playground and amphitheater.
Play golf with the family at the Salida Golf Club.
Soak in the natural beauty of the Arkansas River in Salida.
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Historic downtown is Colorado’s first Certified Creative District
Downtown Salida is not only the largest National Historic District in Colorado but also the state’s first Certified Creative District. “We have some amazing local artists from all different mediums,” Miller says. There are nearly 30 galleries and studios downtown, as well as dozens of locally owned shops, bars and restaurants, most of which are along F Street. The Salida farmers market is on Saturday mornings from June to October. “It’s a great way to get vegetables, bread, body care, anything you can think of from local vendors,” Miller says. National chains like Walmart and Ace Hardware are along Highway 50.
There is something for everyone in the wide variety of shops Salida.
Live music played most Friday nights in Salida.
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Heart of the Rockies Halloween is a local favorite
Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, one of Salida’s leading employers and healthcare providers, hosts a night of games, food, drinks and trick-or-treating. “The homes on F Street get upwards of 800 to 1000 trick-or-treaters,” Miller says. Another staple of the event is the Thriller Zombie dancers, volunteers who march through the street every 15 minutes.
Salida housing includes historic and modern homes and condos
The Rocky Mountains fill Salida’s skyline. Within city limits, sidewalks often line close-together lawns. Properties farther away have more space, with anywhere from half an acre to three acres of land. Along and around F Street, late 19th and early 20th-century homes like Craftsmans, Queen Annes and other Victorian-era houses are typical. “People really like to buy these older homes and preserve them, kind of keep the feeling that may have been there in the early 1900s,” Miller says. The remaining homes range from bungalows and ranch styles to contemporary and modern construction. A single-family house can cost $400,000 to $2.2 million, depending on size, condition and location; the median price is $780,000. Mobile and manufactured homes generally cost between $100,000 and $670,0000, depending on location and condition. Condos are also available, with one- or two-bedroom units ranging from $450,000 to $700,000.
According to First Street, Salida is at major risk from wildfires. Salida Fire Department has performed occasional controlled burns to help mitigate risk.
There are several modern townhomes being built in Salida.
Larger homes with wraparound porches can be found in Salida.
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Public schools partner with Colorado Mountain College
Salida Schools serve the area. Longfellow Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche, and Salida Middle School earns an A-minus. At the B-plus-rated Salida High School, students can apply for the Accelerating Students through the Concurrent Enrollment program, which allows them to take postsecondary courses for college credit at no tuition expense for the year after 12th grade. Colorado Mountain College in Salida has certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs like business administration and nursing. Residents of Salida and the nearby Poncha Springs have lower tuition rates than out-of-district students.
Salida High School has 394 students.
Colorado Mountain College is known for its small class sizes, personal attention and hands-on experience.
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Walkable and bike friendly within city limits and some public transportation
Salida is a pedestrian and bike-friendly community within city limits. “It’s not uncommon to see moms with two or three kids on these bikes that have been outfitted for shuttling your kids around, or a lot of people go to the grocery on their bikes with huge baskets,” Miller says. Otherwise, residents use cars to get around, although Mountain Valley Transit manages a bus route in the area. U.S. Route 50 and State Route 291 are two main thoroughfares. Colorado Springs Airport is about 105 miles away.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
David Sanden
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Salida, CO sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Salida, CO over the last 12 months is $686,250, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into opportunity with this fully equipped, move-in-ready home that is ideal for your personal retreat or a turn-key short term rental investment! Inside, you will find a bright, welcoming interior with fresh paint and new blinds throughout, along with brand new laminate flooring on the main floor - durable, stylish, and perfect for pet owners. The kitchen shines with new LG stainless steel
Looking for the perfect spot to build in Salida? This 0.12-acre lot on the city’s desirable west side offers incredible mountain views, full city utilities, and no HOA! Located in a quiet neighborhood with direct access to the Salida trail system, this level lot is ideal for a custom home, duplex, or home with an ADU under flexible R-2 zoning. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the Collegiate
40 Acres and a Mule? Try 120 Acres and 3 Houses just 13 miles outside of Salida, Colorado! Why settle for less when you can own more? This rare offering includes three adjacent parcels totaling 120 acres, perfectly situated at the end of road and bordering national forest - giving you direct access to thousands of acres of public land for hunting, hiking, and exploring. Whether you are after elk,
Are you looking for a sustainable home but don't want to sacrifice living space or storage? Do you want to live in town but want more than one bathroom or garage stall? Do you need more bedrooms but don't want to live in a 3-story shotgun house? You need to see this house! Situated on a corner lot, this one-level home is full of natural light and charm. With 2032 square feet, 3 large bedrooms,
The last vacant lot in Country Meadow Ridge. This 2.2-acre lot has panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the river valley, only minutes to Poncha Springs and Salida, and 20 minutes to skiing on all-natural snow at Monarch Ski Area. This area is known for gold medal fishing in the Arkansas River, numerous popular year round events, many hiking and biking trails on public lands. The property
Rare opportunity to purchase 120+ acres of land bordering Salida, Colorado! This unique property has it all ... 800' of Arkansas River frontage, main home with soaring windows and incredible views perched on 40 acres above the valley floor, rental/income home, 70 acres of prime irrigated farm land, hay shed on 2 acres, all within biking distance of town! This once in a lifetime opportunity could
Looking for that Salida-area mountain property with privacy, big sky, and serious space to breathe? This 40-acre off-grid homestead 13 miles outside of Salida is not for everyone, but for the right soul, it is everything. Perched high with top-of-the-world views you have to see to believe, this southwest-inspired straw bale home blends durability with unique charm. Well-insulated and thoughtfully
Welcome to Salida Mountain Meadows Condominiums, where modern updates meet low-maintenance mountain living. Recently renovated with brand new paint, flooring, countertops, and appliances, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers 1,371 square ft of comfortable living space with an attached garage and designated storage unit as well. Built in 2016, the open-concept one level home has immediate
Welcome to Unit B, a beautifully remodeled historic condo in the heart of downtown Salida. I've honestly considered purchasing this for myself. I would run an office out of it during the week and then short term rent it on the weekends. So much versatility with the downtown mixed use zoning. Originally built in 1899 and thoughtfully updated in 2023, this single-level residence offers over 800
7550 W US Highway 50 | Salida, CO: Residential, Commercial, or Live-WorkThis 1,215 sq ft ranch-style home sits on a quarter-acre lot with direct US Highway 50 frontage just west of Salida, one of the most traveled corridors in the Rockies. This property is equally suited as a primary residence, a commercial or professional office, or a live-work combination. The enclosed front porch would
Own a piece of downtown Salida, and rent it short-term as a non-resident!This is a rare, turnkey development opportunity in the heart of one of Colorado's most sought-after mountain towns. The land development rights for the back half of the condo plat at 235 W 3rd Street give you the ability to build a triplex or even quadraplex on a prime C2-zoned parcel, accessed via alley off the back,
New photos posting 6/22, showings start 6/21! Looking for a home close to town that isn't in a HOA? This home built in 2011 sits just 3.5 miles from downtown Salida, placing you minutes from groceries, galleries, and restaurants! The quality of this home will exceed your expectations. Vaulted ceilings, 8' solid wood doors, engineered hardwood floors, and textured walls throughout. The living room
Breath-taking mountain views: open space on the North and West sides, the mountains are visible outside and in all 4 directions. The milk run trail connects the neighborhood to downtown Salida, bring your bike and be there in 5 min. Hwy 50 is 1/10 mile outside the neighborhood to take you to the mountains: Monarch skiing 20 min, hiking, biking, 4 wheeling, fishing S Arkansas river is nearby.
3 bedroom 2 bath home in a great location close to downtown Salida and the grade school. The home features a front room, separate dining room, and a living room. Along with a space off of the kitchen that can be utilized as either a large pantry or an office. Nicely updated appliances, exposed brick, and some vintage surprises gives this home lots of character. The property provides for a large
Enjoy summer in Salida from this fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with an office, located in the desirable Two Rivers subdivision right along the South Ark of the Arkansas River. With direct river frontage and views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the setting alone makes this property stand out.The home offers comfortable, move-in-ready living with all furnishings in place,
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